A publishing industry professional since 1992, Debra Ginsberg has been editing books of all genres for over twenty years. She has reviewed books for The San Diego Union-Tribune,The Washington Post Book World, and Shelf Awareness, conducted writing workshops in four Western states, and contributed to NPR's "All Things Considered."

Commentator Debra Ginsberg, mother of a child with special needs, ponders a middle-aged man in an ice cream vendor’s uniform and wonders if her own boy will have a job like this someday. (3:30).

Changing Face of America: The Working Poor

Author Debra Ginsberg introduces us to Maria Lopez of National City, California. Lopez is profiled as part of our series on The Changing Face of America. She’s a mother of three who is on the cusp of escaping from state assistance, the result of determination, changes in the law and a two-year college education. When national welfare reform took place in 1996, the push in state’s like California was to get people into any job. But Maria wanted to rise above poverty, so despite the odds, she got her high school equivalency degree, and enrolled in courses at a nearby junior college. Everyday is a struggle to keep from sinking into deeper poverty. But she has a feverish determination, a rosy outlook, and an ability to work the system. (14:00).

Waiting Traumas

Author Debra Ginsberg reads a portion of her upcoming book, Waiting: The True Confessions of a Waitress. (3:30).